Leaky delta faucet

I have a delta faucet which is leaking from the handle (from the hot water side). I replaced the "O" ring but now can't get the cartridge to sit and as a result the lock ring just spins around. I lined up the grooves with the cartridge but it still sits too high. Then, I tried to replace the cartridge without the ring and the leak is worse than ever. What to do?

We do not "repair" Delta stems, we replace them with a new unit. Delta's number is 800-345-DELT. You need "quarter turn" replacement stems, but most of those in the "big box stores" are "half turn versions".

I went to see if I could at least use the cold water faucet, but now the cold water comes out where the hot water handle used to be. I do have the cartridge screwed in. Why do you think this is happening? The cold water was working fine before I started this 'fix-it' project...

I sounds like maybe the seat (rubber washer) and spring are missing, it could be they got out of place when you pulled the cartridge because that would explain why the cartridge wouldn't go back in correctly. They may have washed out while you were working on the valve.

Back pressure from resistance of water flow through the aerator causes it to back up into hot line and then the cold water comes out at the hot handle. If you remove the aerator it may flow out the spout and not leak into the hot line as much. Just cleaning it may help too. Water under pressure takes the path of least resistance.